Explore fascinating wonderlands

…and the species that inhabit them during the National Aviary’s fall theme, Forests Presented by Peoples.  Uncover the magic of mythical-like woods through spellbinding Daily Activities, Interactive Play Spaces, and bewitching free-flight habitats. 

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African Penguin swimming up through water

Penguin Encounter

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Today’s Schedule

Birding Expedition: Powdermill Avian Research Center

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Sat., September 27 | 8:30 – 11:30 am | Members: $50; Non-Members: $55 per person | Powdermill Avian Research Center

Meet up with National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill for a morning of birdwatching. Hone your bird identification skills or learn birding basics as you explore some of western Pennsylvania’s most beautiful locations.

Powdermill Avian Research Center, the field station of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, is located just 1.5 hours east of Pittsburgh in the Ligonier Valley and has been in operation for more than 60 years. Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill helped operate the bird banding station at Powdermill for almost 30 years. Join Bob to see a wide variety of migratory birds (like warblers, thrushes, vireos, and flycatchers) up close with an experienced bird bander – watching as researchers record valuable data.  Plus, learn about the important research conducted at Powdermill that is helping scientists understand migratory birds and their conservation needs.

Birdwatchers may also tour the Powdermill Nature Center and visit additional birding hotspots nearby!

This Birding Expedition is open to participants 6 and older; those under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. 

Daily Activities

The National Aviary offers a variety of Daily Activities for an incredible visitor experience. View an insightful feeding, watch birds soar over the audience during a live bird show, or get up close with your favorite species during an Animal Encounter!

THIS FALL ONLY: You’ll DIG this Animal Encounter!

Join us “down the rabbit hole” as we uncover the hidden world that bustles below the forest floor alongside TWO fan-favorite National Aviary Animal Ambassadors! From the surprisingly deep tunnels of a Four-toed Hedgehog to the secretive snug hideout of a Striped Skunk, these critters prove they are nature’s original underground architects!

Proceeds support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats. Animal Encounters include General Admission!

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Featured Species

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Penguins

Book a Penguin Encounter to meet an African Penguin up close!

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Flamingoes

Venture to the Wetlands to meet our flock of American Flamingoes!

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Marijo and Illimani, two juvenile Andean Condors at the National Aviary.
Condors

See majestic Andean Condors, including juveniles Marijo and Illimani, in Condor Court

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Northern White-faced Owl
Owls

Meet one of the National Aviary’s most mysterious residents during an Owl Encounter.

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Eagles

Visit Kody and Aurora, two Steller’s Sea Eagles, in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall.

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Sloths

Hang out with a Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth during a Sloth Encounter!

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A Eurasian Eagle-Owl Parliament

Over the last two decades, and as part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program, the National Aviary has made considerable contributions to Eurasian Eagle-Owl conservation efforts, thanks to two very special owls: X and Dumbledore.

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An Eurasian Eagle Owl

Nesting in Namibia

The National Aviary works with the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) and the Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds (NAMCOB) to help sustain existing wild penguin population. This includes determining the kind of artificial nest burrow wild colonies would take to, which took time and a few iterations.

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African Penguins in South Africa using artificial nest burrow

Countdown to Extinction: One Decade to Save African Penguins

Ten years is all that likely stands between the African Penguin becoming functionally Extinct-in-the-Wild. The current plight of this dwindling species has recently led to their International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s status being uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered last October. The fight for the future of the African Penguin remains in full throttle, with the National Aviary leading the way.

 

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Countdown to Extinction web graphic featuring an image of a juvenile African Penguin fading into an image of wild African Penguins.

Valentino: The Condor that Could

In the last 46 years, only nine injured Andean Condors have been able to return to their natural habitat in Ecuador, where fewer than 150 wild Andean Condors remain. Valentino is now one of them – thanks to a worldwide partnership with the National Aviary and our Ecuadorian sister zoo, Bioparque Amaru.

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Andean Condor Valentino taking flight after his release!

A Flamingo Rescue Halfway Around the World

When more than 1,800 baby Lesser Flamingoes were abandoned by their parents due to a severe drought at the Kamfers Dam in South Africa in 2019, the National Aviary’s Teri Grendzinski was among the first to arrive on the scene. 

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National Aviary Expert Teri G, hand feeding a Lesser Flamingo chick in South Africa

Protecting Their Future

Eurasian Eagle-Owls may be classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but this large species with pumpkin-colored eyes faced a rapid population decline in Europe in the 20th century. These birds continue to face human-caused threats to their very livelihood, including pesticide exposure, habitat loss, and infrastructure collisions. Learn more about the National Aviary’s efforts to safeguard this large owl species, and how you can help today.

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It Takes Two...African Penguin Chicks!

Penguin pair Patrick (female) and Owen hatched two African Penguin chicks in November at the National Aviary. The duo marks an additional spark of hope for a species that is increasingly experiencing population declines in the wild. The National Aviary’s expert animal care team has been observing the family’s feeding, brooding, and preening behaviors, and can see that these chicks are thriving and developing quickly!

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Calls of Hope: Saving Species Here and Abroad

The Eastern Loggerhead Shrike is one of Canada’s most endangered songbirds. With fewer than 25 breeding pairs left in Ontario, Canada, this unique subspecies — named for its disproportionately large — or “logger” — head, is in dire need of support. One of the ways in which zoos like the National Aviary can offer such help is by working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to help ensure an increase of healthy populations for a variety of threatened bird species, including the shrike. 

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From Early Days to Golden Years

When our youngest African Penguin, Pierogi, was diagnosed with an injury, the dedicated staff at the National Aviary worked tirelessly to provide innovative care. They did the same for our most senior colony member, Stanley.

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New Findings Released in the Search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Researchers with the National Aviary and Project Principalis released multiple lines of evidence pointing to the survival of the iconic Ivory-billed Woodpecker in Louisiana.

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illustration of birds

Saving African Penguins with AZA SAFE

The National Aviary is leading the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Saving Animals From Extinction: SAFE program for African Penguins with help from independent Senior Conservation Scientist, Dr. Patty McGill.

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African Penguin at National Aviary near artificial nest burrow in Penguin Point

A Comeback for Guam Rails

After more than 30 years of being listed as Extinct in the Wild, Guam Rails are now considered Critically Endangered. The National Aviary raised more Guam Rails than any other North American zoo, and some of those rails from Pittsburgh are now thriving on islands near Guam!

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Guam Rail walking on the ground

A Flamingo Rescue Halfway Around the World

When thousands of flamingo chicks were abandoned due to drought in South Africa, one National Aviary staff member, Teri Grendzinski, made the journey to help. Her work to hand-raise chicks gave them a chance at survival.

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A Lesser Flamingo chick being cared for in South Africa.
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Our Mission:

The National Aviary works to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.

In The News

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Pittsburgh’s Regional Asset District issues record preliminary budget | 90.5 WESA

In all, RAD proposes to fund 107 organizations of all sizes, from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, the National Aviary, Pittsburgh Symphony and Heinz History Center to small dance and theater troupes.

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Pittsburgh conservation planting seeds for visitors and investment | Capital Analytics Associates

Pittsburgh’s conservation institutions are a growing part of the Commonwealth’s outdoor recreation economy. At the National Aviary, Executive Director Cheryl Tracy says the institution is “just getting started,” despite nearly 75 years of history.

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2nd extinct-in-wild Guam kingfisher hatches at National Aviary | CBS News

For the second time this year, a bird that's extinct in the wild hatched at the National Aviary.

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Jungle Creatures and Fantastic Features: Toucans | Phipps Conservatory

Jungle Quest invites guests on a stunning safari bursting with terrific topiary animals, tropical foliage and beautiful blooms...including some animals you can see at the Aviary!

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Uncover Mystical “Creatures” and Meet the Bird Species who Inspired them during Forests this fall, ONLY at the National Aviary! | National Aviary

Journey throughout Forests Presented by Peoples, the Aviary’s new fall theme; learn more about the otherworldly species who inhabit these magical woodland areas.

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